General Motors has reduced its electric vehicle ambitions and cut over 1,000 jobs at its Factory Zero plant in Detroit, replacing many of them with about 50 collaborative robots, or “cobots.”

The company says the machines improve safety, ergonomics, and efficiency as EV demand slows and cost pressures increase.

However, the United Auto Workers argues the automation is primarily a cost-cutting move that is eliminating union jobs and has filed grievances against GM.

Labor leaders also warn about safety concerns of humans working alongside robots and criticize broader industry trends toward heavy automation, the New York Post has reported.

The dispute comes as General Motors continues to post strong profits despite production adjustments and ongoing challenges in the EV market.